Led Tape Lighting questions

[gigi74]

I'd like to run some LED tape lights under the eaves around my garage. I have about 60' of eaves.

I want to have these lights controlled by a photo sensor so that they turn on and off automatically. I also want to be able to dim them. I have found some tape lights that I think would fit my situation, they are 16.4' lengths, 12 VDC, and rated at 30 Watts. That being said, I understand that I need to run four strips of LEDs. My plan is to wire it like this:

120VAC to photo sensor to 120VAC dimmer to dimmable LED driver to LED tapes.

QUESTIONS:

Does this sound ok, or is there a better way?

Would it be better to run one high wattage driver, or run two smaller drivers?

Options for a 120VAC dimmable LED driver?

Thanks in advance, any input would be appreciated!

 

[SemiMan]

I'd like to run some LED tape lights under the eaves around my garage. I have about 60' of eaves.

I want to have these lights controlled by a photo sensor so that they turn on and off automatically. I also want to be able to dim them. I have found some tape lights that I think would fit my situation, they are 16.4' lengths, 12 VDC, and rated at 30 Watts. That being said, I understand that I need to run four strips of LEDs. My plan is to wire it like this:

120VAC to photo sensor to 120VAC dimmer to dimmable LED driver to LED tapes.

QUESTIONS:

Does this sound ok, or is there a better way?

Would it be better to run one high wattage driver, or run two smaller drivers?

Options for a 120VAC dimmable LED driver?

Thanks in advance, any input would be appreciated!

The strips are fixed 12V.

Most dimmable LED drivers that are dimmed off 120VAC that I have seen out there are constant current drivers and really meant to be integrated into a lamp. You need something that is going to PWM a 12V power output.

Semiman

 

[mds82]

Yes most all of those are 12v DC power. As well they are not very efficient and they use quite a lot of power. One of the strips i have uses 24 watts in a 16 foot strip. If you have 60 feet that will draw about 90 watts. you'll need a pretty good good size AC-DC converter for all those. On a good note though, a 16 foot strip of lights is only around $14

 

[gigi74]

Thanks, for the help.

Any recommendations for an efficient under eave light setup? My goal is to illuminate the eaves.

Thanks again.

 

[mds82]

It would be a bit more costly and work, but you could always install 4" recessed lighting cans. There are some good EcoSmart LED Bulbs made by Cree that are bright.